EU Moves Toward ‘Military Schengen,’ Speeding Up Possible Mobilization of Forces Across Europe

Among the EC’s plans are proposals to remove regulatory barriers across the bloc to make it easier to move militaries across national borders.

A Polish soldier walks next to Leopard 2 tanks during training at a military base and test range in Swietoszow, Poland, on Feb. 13, 2023. Michal Dyjuk/AP Photo

The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a military mobility package aimed at making it easier to deploy troops, tanks, and equipment across the European Union’s 27 member states, in what it describes as a step toward a “Military Schengen.”

The plans, announced on Nov. 19, are part of efforts to ensure that Europe is ready to defend itself by 2030 and reflect the EU’s other military ambitions, which aim to increase defense spending and develop strategies to combat hybrid warfare.